Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?

The latest mantra of the environmentalist brigade is that “the debate is over; it’s a known fact that global warming exists” Bullshit! The debate has just begun. The problem with these militants is they try and demonize any opposing viewpoint that doesn’t fit their stance. They only want those ‘studies’ supporting their beliefs to make headlines and a willing press, over the years, has been happy to comply. For example, it made headlines when 1,600 scientists signed a letter of the “devastating consequences” of global warming. But virtually unreported was that 17,000 scientists signed a petition, which cautioned against the alarmism, saying there’s no convincing evidence that greenhouse gases disrupt the earth’s climate. www.oism.org/pproject/

60 minutes did a segment earlier this year on how global warming, due to human activity, is causing the arctic to melt. But absent was any opposing viewpoint. There was one reference to how the skeptics “have brought up some very, very interesting issues over the last few years” but, personally, I found it condescending. The main cause, they contend, is the rise in carbon dioxide CO2 concentration levels. However, they never provided the most basic of comparisons: The correlation between temperature change and CO2 concentration, and here’s why. Since 1880, during the period when the lowest CO2 concentration increase occurred, the arctic had its highest warming trend. When the concentration began to significantly increase, the arctic temperature cooled then leveled off and has remained virtually unchanged since. Hmm! My point, anyone can find a study to support their viewpoint.
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/16/60minutes/main1323169.shtml
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,172188,00.html

I have a couple theories on what drives these people. One, it’s a lot easier for a scientist and the global warming alarmists to get funding with scaremongering and doomsday scenarios. If the sales pitch were “to date, we don’t really have any compelling evidence but we would like to keep looking into it” The government grants and philanthropic donations dry up. The second is a modern day syndrome I call “Since I have free time on my hands, I need to be part of a significant world changing movement” (a bit wordy but it fits). Freedom, capitalism and the innovation that stems from it have allowed life’s basic necessities; food, water and shelter to be virtual after thoughts. These advancements have given people the time and means to pursue there passion and for the most part, this is a great thing. However, there are always unintended consequences. Like many, the environmentalists want their life’s to have purpose and the cause they have chosen is to save the planet. What could be more important! However, they are so convinced it’s real that any information contrary to their viewpoint is irrelevant. How dare anyone question the important work they’re doing.

Hey, nobody wants to destroy the environment and it’s good that we debate the effects, if any, human advancement has on the planet. Some basic regulations, over the years, have insured that we act more responsibly. The hardcore environmentalist movement has veered off the path with their uncompromising ability for civil debate. It’s this narrow mindedness and arrogance that actually hurts there cause.

Thomas Sowell

Thomas Sowell is one of the most profound and insightful writers on the planet. Here is a link to his latest article "Suicide of the West". After reading check out his archive and make room in your head for his thought provoking wisdom. Whether you agree with everything or not is irrelevant. If an essay leaves you inquisitive then it has met its purpose. Enjoy

http://townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2009/09/01/suicide_of_the_west?page=full